Will Kluber be dealt to Padres or Dodgers?
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Pitchers and catchers report in one month. Corey Kluber's destination remains uncertain.
The Indians and Padres have been in contact regarding a possible Kluber trade since the New Year began, although no deal was close as of Friday night, sources said. A separate source said the Dodgers have remained involved in recent trade discussions with the Indians regarding Kluber.
Sources say the Padres are trying to acquire Kluber without giving up any of their top five prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline. To accomplish that, the club likely would need to part with multiple Major League players, with outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe among the options. The Indians are expected to obtain at least one outfielder if they trade Kluber, given their need for Major League depth at the position.
It's also possible the Indians would insist the Padres include a young starting pitcher with Major League experience in a trade for Kluber, although San Diego club officials are reluctant to move left-handers Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer.
The Indians have interest in Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon as a candidate for inclusion in the trade. Morejon, 19, is ranked as the club's No. 6 prospect by MLB Pipeline, and he posted a 3.30 ERA with Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore in 2018.
Kluber, who turns 33 in April, has won two American League Cy Young Awards over the past five seasons -- a period during which he's one of only two Major League pitchers to throw 1,000 innings. (Nationals ace Max Scherzer is the other.) Kluber is under club control through 2021 -- including team options -- for $52.5 million.
Earlier this month, sources said the Indians had not retreated from their stance that a Chris Sale-level return would be required for them to trade Kluber or fellow right-hander Trevor Bauer.
The Dodgers, Brewers and Phillies also have discussed Kluber with the Indians at various points during the offseason. The Brewers and Giants have had trade conversations regarding San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner.